Review: Artlandia Introduces SymmetryWorks Version 5

If you have ever attempted to create a seamless pattern for Adobe Illustrator you know how challenging it can be. Simple patterns are relatively easy to create but more complicated patterns can be nearly impossible without the proper tools. Like many designers I spent some time learning techniques for pattern creation early on in my career. I had some early success but when I began to try to reproduce some more complex patterns that I had seen in product packaging or fashion I quickly became frustrated and gave up. That was until I discovered SymmetryWorks, a plug-in for Adobe Illustrator.

SymmetryWorks is a plug-in for Adobe Illustrator that allows you to quickly create complicated seamless patterns in Illustrator from just about any type of vector object. It won’t take you long to figure out how amazing this plug-in is. Just draw an object, open the SymmetryWorks palette and click “make”. Your pattern will be created instantly and you can then begin playing with different settings to achieve different results.

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you have probably heard me mention SymmetryWorks before. In fact, in May I gave a copy away as a prize during this website’s 1st Birthday Celebration. I am clearly a fan of SymmetryWorks; that is why I was excited to hear that Artlandia just released SymmetryWorks v.5 and included some fantastic upgrades.

INTRODUCING INSERTION MODE

The new insertion mode allows you to draw new objects into your pattern on the fly. This makes it easy to see how your new pattern will look when it is repeated.

CREATE SWATCHES WITH JUST ONE CLICK

This is possibly the most anticipated new feature for SymmetryWorks v.5. One of the most frustrating aspects of SymmetryWorks v.4 was that you had to create patterns manually. In version 5 just select your SymmetryWorks object and click the pattern swatch button. The new pattern will automatically appear in your swatches palette.

ADDED SUPPORT FOR ILLUSTRATOR OBJECTS

SymmetryWorks now supports blends and compound shapes. Blends and compound shapes are indispensable for tessellations and other designs. In addition, support has been enhanced several types of patterns. You can now easily create scarves, kerchiefs, bandannas, carpets, rugs, and much, much more.

INTRODUCING SYMMETRYWORKS LP

SymmetryWorks LP is a tight integration of SymmetryWorks with LivePresets, Artlandia’s newest Illustrator plug-in. By combining SymmetryWorks and Artlandia LivePresets you can use your SymmetryWorks patterns as normal Illustrator swatches and edit them on the fly.

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Colorburned is a design blog featuring some of the best design news, resources, and tutorials from around the web. Our focus here is to arm you with the tools and knowledge that you need to create better designs in less time.